Trina Bell is trapped in a cycle of shifting realities, pursued by shadowy figures and haunted by lost memories, until she meets a librarian who remembers her across worlds and helps her unravel the mystery of her existence. As the fabric of reality unravels and the worlds grow increasingly unstable, Trina must confront the secrets of her past and the true nature of her power to restore order before everything collapses.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a reality where the protagonist, Trina Bell, never wakes up in the same world twice, the novel follows her as she navigates a series of ever-shifting universes, each with its own rules, dangers, and inhabitants. The phenomenon, referred to as the 'Turnings,' causes the world to change around her—sometimes subtly, sometimes drastically—leaving her as the only constant, with no one else retaining any memory of her from one world to the next. Trina is pursued by mysterious shadowy figures and a sadistic doctor, both of whom seem to have a connection to the cause of the Turnings. Her journey takes a pivotal turn when she meets Colin, an elderly librarian who, unlike everyone else, remembers her after a Turning. As the worlds become increasingly unstable and dangerous, Trina is forced to confront her own past and the possibility that she may be the source of the chaos, all while seeking a way to restore reality before it collapses entirely. The narrative blends elements of science fiction, horror, and fantasy, featuring settings that range from steampunk cities to post-apocalyptic wastelands, and incorporates motifs such as memory, grief, and the nature of reality.

Readers praised the book for its fast-paced, immersive storytelling and the emotional depth of its central character, Trina. Many highlighted the effective use of the multiverse concept, noting how the constant shifts in reality kept the narrative engaging and suspenseful. The relationship between Trina and Colin was frequently mentioned as a strong point, providing an emotional anchor amid the chaos. The book’s atmosphere, described as urgent and somber, was noted for maintaining tension without resorting to outlandish or comedic alternate realities. Several reviewers appreciated the gradual reveal of the story’s mysteries, the intricate plotting, and the way the ending tied together the various threads, with some describing the conclusion as both surprising and emotionally impactful. The horror elements, including the presence of the Shadows and the menacing doctor, were also cited as effective in heightening the stakes and sense of danger.

Some readers found aspects of the book challenging or less satisfying. A few noted that the beginning could be confusing or difficult to get into, as both Trina and the reader are left without clear explanations for the Turnings or the rules of the shifting worlds. There were comments about the protagonist’s characterization feeling inconsistent or blank at times, particularly early on when her memories and motivations are unclear. Certain plot elements, such as the role of the particle accelerator, the mechanics behind Trina’s abilities, and the logic of recurring characters across worlds, were seen as underexplained or requiring too many assumptions. A minority of reviewers felt that the pacing was uneven, with some sections dragging or feeling repetitive, especially during the middle of the book. One reviewer expressed disappointment with the level of depth given to some characters and the ending, wishing for more elaboration.

The book is scheduled for publication on April 30, 2025, and is written by Christopher Hawkins, who previously authored 'Downpour.' It has received an average rating of 4.35 out of 5 from 46 ratings and 44 full reviews. The genres blend science fiction, horror, and fantasy, and the book has been compared to works by Blake Crouch and V.E. Schwab, as well as to 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' and 'Dark Matter.' The narrative structure avoids lengthy exposition, instead revealing information through action and dialogue, and the story explores themes of identity, memory, grief, and the search for meaning in a fragmented reality. The book has been recommended for readers interested in multiverse thrillers, psychological science fiction, and stories with emotional and philosophical undertones.